FREEDOM CURTAILED

While our men and women in the Armed Forces fight for freedom in
remote areas, our most basic freedoms are being attacked here at home.

It took exactly two months for Sen. Joseph Biden's "Rave Act" to be
used by the Drug Enforcement Agency to intimidate the owners of a
Billings, Mont. establishment set to host a fund-raising event for the
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Police in
Billings warned the owners that they could face a $250,000 fine if
anyone were caught smoking marijuana on the grounds of the event.
Understandably, the owners decided not to risk their business. This
effectively ended plans for the local fund-raiser.

The Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act was intended to control and
eradicate establishments such as drug houses, arcades and dance clubs
where the widespread use of drugs is well known. Instead it has
already been used by the police and DEA to target free speech and free
assembly at a meeting promoting ideas that run contrary to the
opinions of the federal government.

Sen. Biden, a possible presidential candidate, needs to know that
voters will not tolerate this attack on our most basic American freedom.

Carolyn M. Grayweaver

Williamsburg